Johnny Marzetti Casserole – A Comforting Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Looking for an easy, hearty dinner idea? This Johnny Marzetti casserole is a delicious ground beef casserole packed with tender rotini pasta, savory Italian sausage, and layers of melty cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings, this family-favorite pasta bake is both satisfying and simple to make.

With rich flavors from Italian herbs, tomatoes, and a blend of cheeses, it’s a must-try recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Learn how to make this comforting classic, plus get tips, variations, and serving suggestions to customize it to your liking.

This classic Johnny Marzetti casserole combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, Italian sausage, and a medley of cheeses for a satisfying family meal. Packed with flavor and simple to prepare, it’s a go-to recipe for any busy weeknight or gathering.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dry rotini pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound bulk mild Italian sausage
• 3/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 pound white mushrooms, washed and chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 (15-16 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-16 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook the Meat Mixture:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned and crumbly.
   • Add the chopped onions, mushrooms, and garlic. Stir well and sauté until the vegetables soften.
2. Add Seasonings and Sauce:
   • Stir in the Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Prepare the Pasta:
   • While the meat sauce simmers, cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the meat sauce at the bottom. Add the cooked rotini pasta as the next layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of the Italian cheese blend evenly over the pasta.
   • Spread the remaining meat sauce over the cheese and pasta layers. Cover the dish with foil.
5. Bake and Finish:
   • Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
   • Remove the foil, sprinkle the top with shredded Cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
   • Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this hearty dish with your favorite sides or on its own!

Tips:

• Use high-quality canned tomatoes for a richer flavor.
• Avoid overcooking the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• If you prefer a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef and sausage.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Add diced bell peppers or spinach for extra vegetables.
• Swap rotini pasta with penne or ziti.
• Use mozzarella instead of an Italian cheese blend for a more traditional flavor.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping into the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Johnny Marzetti casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s easy to make, full of robust flavors, and loved by kids and adults alike. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Johnny Marzetti Casserole – A Comforting Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Ingredients

• 2 cups dry rotini pasta

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1/2 pound bulk mild Italian sausage

• 3/4 cup chopped onion

• 1/2 pound white mushrooms, washed and chopped

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

• 1 (15-16 ounce) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (15-16 ounce) can tomato sauce

• 2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend

• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Directions

• Cook the Meat Mixture:
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Cook until browned and crumbly.
• Add the chopped onions, mushrooms, and garlic. Stir well and sauté until the vegetables soften.
• Add Seasonings and Sauce:
• Stir in the Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
• Prepare the Pasta:
• While the meat sauce simmers, cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• Assemble the Casserole:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the meat sauce at the bottom. Add the cooked rotini pasta as the next layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of the Italian cheese blend evenly over the pasta.
• Spread the remaining meat sauce over the cheese and pasta layers. Cover the dish with foil.
• Bake and Finish:
• Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
• Remove the foil, sprinkle the top with shredded Cheddar cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve:
• Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this hearty dish with your favorite sides or on its own!